Karnataka government’s doosra on infra: Old plans get new touch & funds in budget

Bengaluru: Mobility. Water. Sanitation. Governance. All areas of concern for every Bengalurean found a mention in the budget as chief minister Siddaramaiah declared: "Our govt's primary objective is to make Bengaluru the world's most liveable city."However, a deep dive into proposed projects and fund allocations shows old projects finding fresh mentions, allocations for ward roads and stormwater drains appear more like annual maintenance contracts, and similar short-term plans that aren't enough to meet the ambitious goal of making India's tech capital more liveable.
"In 2025-26, the govt increased the grant for development of Bengaluru from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore. This grant will continue in the current year as well," Siddaramaiah said. But the grants won't be the only allocations.The 2026-27 plan builds on projects initiated in 2025-26, including ward-level infrastructure works worth Rs 1,255 crore across the five city corporations and concretisation of 158km of roads costing Rs 1,700 crore. Another Rs 1,936 crore has been spent on developing 101 arterial and sub-arterial roads.For the coming years, the govt intends to deepen these investments. "Over the next three years, more than 450km of roads across Bengaluru will be white-topped at an estimated cost of Rs 3,000 crore to improve durability and reduce maintenance needs. Civic bodies will undertake beautification of 175 junctions, upgrade 500km of footpaths, and build 100 skywalks using internal municipal resources," Siddaramaiah said.Urban planning will see a reset as well with the Revised Master Plan 2041 expected to be implemented by the end of 2027, while a comprehensive mobility plan will be prepared within six months.For Metro & road travelMobility projects dominate the budget announcements. Namma Metro, already the country's second-largest Metro network with 96km of operational lines, carries 10 lakh passengers daily. The govt reiterated plans to add 41km of Metro lines, which is expected to raise daily ridership to 15 lakh. Metro officials said Rs 2,110 crore has been allocated to them. They will use the funds for Phase 3 Orange Line, repayment of loans, and cash loss compensation.Arterial and sub-arterial roads have been allocated Rs 1,936 crore, with Rs 450 crore earmarked for development of a corridor of global standards along the ORR between Silk Board and KR Pura.Water supply is another focus area as the city's population continues to expand. Bengaluru receives 2,225 MLD of water through phases 1 to 5 of the Cauvery Water Supply Project, serving 1.4 crore residents. The govt has committed to a Rs 6,939-crore project with JICA assistance to bring 6 TMC of water under Cauvery Phase 6.The govt has approved 40km of tunnel roads linking Hebbal with Silk Board and KR Pura with Mysuru Road, at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore under the BOOT (build-own-operate-transfer) model. Additional projects include a tunnel and elevated road between Hebbal and Mekhri Circle costing Rs 2,250 crore, and a proposed intermediate ring road linking Nelamangala, Tavarekere, and Bidadi to ease regional traffic around the city.Most infrastructure projects are unlikely to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal. Which means not all of the money announced by Siddaramaiah needs to be disbursed.Takeaways■ Rs 7,000cr: Annual grant for Bengaluru■ Rs 3,000cr: 450km roads to be white-topped in 3 years■ 500km footpaths to be upgraded over 3 years■ 100 skywalks to be built over 3 years■ Rs 2,000cr: SWD upgrades under World Bank programme■ Bengaluru Business Corridor Phase 1: 73km | Completion target: 4 years■ Tunnel corridors (Hebbal–Silk Board, KR Pura–Mysuru Road): 40km, Rs 40,000crGet the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !